Hundreds of tradespeople converged on Westminster for the second Trades United Anti-Tool Theft Rally earlier this week, demanding stronger action against the rising epidemic of tool theft in the UK. The demonstration, which saw nearly 300 vans participate in a ‘go-slow’ convoy led by an armoured tank, aimed to raise awareness about the devastating impact of tool theft on the trades industry.
The rally, organised by Trades United founder Shoaib Awan, began at Brent Cross around 11 am before heading to Parliament Square, where participants circled the area for several hours. Vans were adorned with slogans such as “Hands off our van” and “Tool theft is job theft,” while drivers sounded horns to draw attention to their cause.
As a gas engineer, Shoaib knows the devastating impact first-hand after thieves stole £8,500 worth of tools from his van. “These are our offices,” he told reporters. “We work from them. It’s no longer acceptable. They need to understand the implications – mentally and financially – it has on us. The vans get broken into and we’re out of work because we’ve lost our tools. We’ve lost our vans.”
Trades United had previously launched a petition (#659019) in April 2024, calling for the government to address the escalating tool theft crisis by banning the sale of tools at car boots and markets. Before the dissolution of Parliament on 30th May 2024 led to the petition’s closure, it garnered over 46,000 signatures, reflecting the widespread concern within the trade industry. Shoaib Awan continues to encourage support for this critical cause, urging MPs and their parties to prioritise this issue.
According to industry reports, 44,514 tool thefts were reported in 2023, one every 12 minutes, and it’s costing tradespeople an estimated £82 million in lost jobs. The total value of tools stolen in 2023 amounted to £98 million, causing significant financial and emotional strain on tradespeople.
Trades United is calling for stricter enforcement of existing laws, increased funding for law enforcement to tackle the issue, and for tool theft to be considered an aggravated offense. The organisation also demands a £10,000 fine for event organisers of car boot sales and markets that permit the resale of stolen tools.
The demonstration attracted support from several MPs, including Matt Vickers, Shadow Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire, who emphasised the need for harsher punishments for thieves and better understanding of the consequences of tool theft.
Amanda Martin MP was also present on the day to show support. She has tabled the Theft of Tools of Trade (Sentencing) Bill, which proposes recognising tool theft as causing “significant additional harm” to victims. Campaigners hope this will finally see stronger sentencing guidelines introduced as the message from the protest is clear – tradespeople need protection and they need it now.
There is also support across the plumbing industry, with manufacturers lending their support to the rally’s cause. Adrian Coleman, senior regional service Manager at Mira Showers, says he knows of multiple incidents of break ins and theft every year. He comments:
“We have more than 50+ service engineers around the country all at risk from tool theft, and we see multiple incidents every year of break ins and theft. In the darker, winter months – there is an uplift in these crimes, which we know can be debilitating to a business – both financially, and emotionally. Especially in this economic climate. At Mira Showers, we’re really passionate about putting a stop to this issue as we know the damage it can cause to the livelihoods of the trade. Without their tools, tradespeople cannot work.”
Talon’s marketing manager Mike Morris also stood in solidarity with the protesters, supporting the push for real action and the message that enough is enough.
“Tool theft doesn’t just hit wallets – it destroys livelihoods,” says Mike. “Obviously it takes a huge financial toll, but it takes a huge mental toll too. Construction workers are already four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average and the stress of losing vital equipment only adds to the pressure. What is really positive is that despite the traffic jams and inconvenience the protest caused, local people and even tourists were incredibly supportive of the campaign.”
Julie Fisher, CEO of Simply Business, says: “To meet the government’s ambitious housing targets, we need skilled tradespeople. Protecting them from tool theft is vital for their livelihoods, and to achieve these growth goals. Last year alone, we estimate that tool theft cost self-employed tradespeople over £193 million. It comes as no surprise that 83% of tradespeople are concerned about this rising threat, driving thousands to demonstrate outside Westminster today to demand Government action. The trade community is demanding a comprehensive 360 approach to tackle this problem: more frontline policing to deter criminals (49%), tougher sentences for those convicted (50%), and fines for online marketplaces that don’t regulate second-hand tool sales (41%).
“We know how distressing tool theft can be – from financial loss, to work disruption – not to mention the feeling of violation that comes with any theft. We urge the government to hear the trade community’s concerns and respond.”
